Name: Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; 20 mini red M&M’s or cinnamon candies

Jump to Recipe·4 from 25 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful holiday treat that brings charm and cheer to your festive table, look no further than this Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are more than just a sweet snack—they’re a joyful experience, combining buttery sugar cookie goodness with playful chocolate antlers and a bright red candy nose. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simple homemade happiness, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a whimsical celebration you’ll want to make every season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four images show stages of making dough on a white marbled surface. Image 1 has a silver mixing bowl with two sticks of pale yellow butter and white sugar inside. Image 2 shows the bowl containing a creamy butter mix along with a raw egg and dark vanilla liquid. Image 3 displays the bowl with added white flour over the yellowish dough base. Image 4 presents a smooth, long cylinder of pale dough rolled out directly on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but play vital roles in creating the perfect texture and flavor for your Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each element, from the creamy butter to the crisp candy noses, contributes to the experience of biting into these festive delights.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps it brown beautifully during baking.
1 egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
1 tablespoon vanilla: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
2 ½ cups flour: The essential structure builder for your cookies’ soft body.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives just the right lift to keep cookies light and cakey.
½ cup chocolate chips: Melts into luscious swirls for crafting the adorable reindeer features.
1 teaspoon coconut oil: Ensures smooth, glossy melted chocolate for decorating.
20 mini red M&M’s or cinnamon candies: The iconic red noses that bring your reindeer to life with a festive pop of color.

How to Make Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by mixing the softened unsalted butter with the sugar in a stand mixer until the texture is delightfully smooth and creamy. This foundational step sets the stage for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract next, blending until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and that irresistible classic aroma that signals comfort and warmth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

On low mixer speed, gradually mix in the flour and baking powder. The gentle folding technique keeps the dough tender while ensuring everything is homogeneously combined for the perfect cookie texture.

Step 4: Chill the Dough Log

Shape the dough into a 2 ½ inch diameter log using plastic wrap and refrigerate it for an hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and prevents sticking for flawless cookies.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange Cookies

Once chilled, slice the dough log into ½-inch pieces using a sharp knife. Place them spaced evenly on the baking sheet, ready to bake into charming little discs.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for about 8 minutes, watching closely for the edges to set and gain a light golden tint. This precise timing ensures a soft center with just the right amount of crispness on the edges.

Step 8: Melt the Chocolate Chips

Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments while stirring gently until smooth. This creates the perfect medium for your reindeer’s eyes and antlers.

Step 9: Pipe Decorations

Transfer melted chocolate into a piping bag or ziplock with a small cut corner. Fashion the antlers, eyes, and a tiny dot for the nose with a steady hand, turning cookies into festive reindeer faces.

Step 10: Add the Red Nose

Place a mini red M&M or cinnamon candy carefully onto the chocolate dot before it sets to form the iconic reindeer nose, adding a delightful burst of color and whimsy.

Step 11: Let the Chocolate Set and Enjoy

Allow the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature, then step back and admire your adorable Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe come to life, ready to enchant anyone who takes a bite.

How to Serve Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe

Round light yellow cookies are decorated like reindeer faces, with two dark brown lines shaped like antlers at the top, two small dark brown dots for eyes, and a small red dot for the nose in the middle. Five cookies are placed on a white square plate in the center, and several more cookies are scattered around on a green, red, and white plaid cloth. A white cloth bead garland circles parts of the scene. A glass bottle of milk with a cookie resting on its side sits at the bottom right corner. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies can add a magical “snow-kissed” effect, enhancing their holiday charm without competing with the colorful reindeer faces.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a spiced holiday tea. The creamy drinks balance the sweetness and make for a cozy festive treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter surrounded by pine branches, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries for a breathtaking centerpiece. Alternatively, package them in clear bags tied with red ribbons to gift friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and fresh without losing their reindeer charm.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze unbaked dough slices on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag; bake directly from frozen, just adding a couple extra minutes to the time.

Reheating

To revive slightly stale cookies, warm them gently in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes the softness and restores a just-baked feel without melting the decorations.

FAQs

Can I use other candies for the reindeer noses?

Absolutely! Mini red candies like red hots or even small dried cranberries work wonderfully. Just be sure they can adhere well to the chocolate before it sets.

Is it okay to substitute butter with margarine?

For the best flavor and texture, stick with unsalted butter. Margarine can make the dough less rich and may affect how the cookies bake and taste.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some ingredient swaps—like using vegan butter and an egg replacer—you can experiment, but the original Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe relies on egg and butter for classic texture.

How do I prevent the chocolate from smearing during decorating?

Work with cooled cookies and let the chocolate set naturally at room temperature or in the fridge. Avoid touching the piped decorations until fully firm.

What’s the best way to slice the dough for uniform cookies?

A sharp, non-serrated knife works best. Chill the dough thoroughly for a firm log to get clean, even slices that bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Reindeer Sugar Cookies Recipe is such a joyful way to bring fun, sweetness, and creativity to your holiday baking. Whether you’re making them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are bound to become a seasonal favorite that sparks smiles and festive cheer. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delightful this recipe is!